BREEAM

Demonstrate the environmental credentials of buildings.

Environmental Building Challenge

The need for understanding, managing, improving and publicizing the environmental performance of buildings has never been greater.

Government regulations and policies are driving forward the debate, particularly around energy and carbon emissions. Stakeholder engagement towards businesses extends far wider than energy issues and now incorporates the much broader concept of sustainability.

What are the key benefits?

BREEAM is a standard that demonstrates measurement and progress towards environmental and sustainability objectives, underpinned by detailed best practice guidance and external certification. The rating system is easy to understand and provides clear evidence that the best environmental practice is being incorporated into a building.

More generally, BREEAM provides market recognition for low environmental impact buildings. It exerts a positive influence on all aspects of building design, construction and operation and is a powerful tool in helping to reduce running costs and improved working conditions in buildings.

Buildings with BREEAM certification provide a clear statement to the market that environmental and sustainability initiatives have been incorporated into the design and/or operation of the building.

Why Choose Bureau Veritas

Knowledge

BREEAM requires detailed assessments of sustainable building design and performance, all of which require a range of technical skills and expertise. We employ a team of licensed BREEAM assessors, that can support clients in all stages of building development and operation.

Network

Bureau Veritas has an extensive global network of offices with the proximity to meet clients’ environmental building needs no matter where on the map they may be.

FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can any building type be assessed?

Separate BREEAM schemes are provided to cover all main building types, such as offices and retail. Buildings not falling under one of the main schemes can be assessed under the BREEAM Bespoke scheme.

Can BREEAM be used internationally?

BREEAM can be applied to any building type anywhere in the world and Bureau Veritas has assessors licensed to deliver assessments internationally. This capability is backed up by offices in over 140 countries which enables local support to be provided in most regions.

What is the difference between BREEAM for new constructions and BREEAM in-use?

BREEAM for new constructions is a one-time certification valid for the lifetime of a building. It can be applied anywhere in the world for new buildings or buildings which have undergone extensive refurbishment and has a double-stage certification process (pre-assessment and post-construction).

BREEAM in-use is for existing buildings and encompasses three different elements within the scheme: the operational, intrinsic and management aspects of an office building. BREEAM in-use must be re-certified annually to maintain validity.